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Earlswood Lakes and Clowes Wood

A nice little taste of nature close to England's second city

Hiking Easy

Distance
6.7 km
Ascent
41 m
Descent
41 m
Duration
1-2 hrs
Low Point
138 m
High Point
158 m
Gradient
Earlswood Lakes and Clowes Wood Map

Earlswood Lakes is a group of three man-made reservoirs located in Earlswood, Warwickshire, England. The three lakes are named Upper, Middle and Lower Earlswood Lakes. They were created in the 1820s to supply water for the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal, which connected the industrial Midlands with the River Avon and the national canal network.

Description

The lakes are home to a variety of fish species, including pike, carp, and roach, and are stocked regularly by the local angling club. This isn't true wilderness, but feels pleasantly quiet considering the proximity of the lakes to Birmingham and its satellite towns.

It's possible just to walk around the lakes but we'd recommend detouring into the Big and Little Clowes woods, and we've drawn our route to reflect this. The woodland covers an area of approximately 50 acres and is situated near the villages of Earlswood and Hockley Heath. The woodland is managed by the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, badgers, and a range of bird species, all of which makes it a pretty remarkable place given how close the big smoke is!

The lakes are situated close to the town of Solihull and are easily accessible by car or public transport. The area is also well-served by a range of amenities, including car parks, cafes, and public toilets.

Difficulty

Easy

Walking along a well-kept trail that’s mostly flat. No obstacles are present.

Low Exposure

1 out of 4

The path is on completely flat land and potential injury is limited to falling over.

Remoteness

1 out of 4

Close to help in case of emergency.

Best time to visit

between March and October

Features

  • Wildlife
  • Picturesque
  • Dog friendly
  • Water features
  • Family friendly